If you haven’t read about this then you really should, this could prove to be the biggest revolution in 3D printing machines yet, plastic extrusion without filament, without support material and from a plastics company that dwarves any in the additive manufacturing industry.
http://www.tctmagazine.com/tctblogs/jim-woodcocks-blog/the-arburg-freeformer--now-can-we-use-the-hyperbole/
From the article: “Its patented” – Well…that’s all I needed to hear. NEXT!
Patents EXPIRING is what brought 3D printing to the forefront of use. The RepRap project and being unhindered by patents to explore, push, and develop is what is driving the hype. Not some million dollar, patent encumbered machine like this.
Can’t find the patent … does anyone else found the paper?
How about https://www.google.com/patents/DE102010044268A1?cl=en&dq=arburg&hl=de&sa=X&ei=XopeUryOLoal4gSUpYCoBQ&ved=0CEkQ6AEwAg , https://www.google.com/patents/US8292610?dq=arburg&hl=de&sa=X&ei=XopeUryOLoal4gSUpYCoBQ&ved=0CFAQ6AEwAw , https://www.google.com/patents/US20130071599?dq=arburg&hl=de&sa=X&ei=XopeUryOLoal4gSUpYCoBQ&ved=0CGkQ6AEwBg , https://www.google.com/patents/DE102009030099B4?cl=en&dq=arburg&hl=de&sa=X&ei=XopeUryOLoal4gSUpYCoBQ&ved=0CIsBEOgBMAo …
All from https://www.google.com/?tbm=pts#q=arburg&safe=off&tbm=pts
So basically, this tech won’t be usable until 2033.
Let’s say there’s plans online to create an open source version of a patented system, can the owner have them taken down? It’s not like DMCA is it? Surely it just means no one can sell kits/built printers?
@Liam_Jackson that depends on each country’s set of laws. Private use is often tolerated, but then it all depends on how private is defined.
Ah right. Anyways this is just some sort of pellet extruder (or multi extruders) with a moving bed, I’m not sure a bed that can move in 5D would be able to create any part without support either.